*** COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE ***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2010
Contact: Christopher M. Crane | ChrisC@westchesterlegislators.com | 914-995-2104 (office)
What: The Westchester County Board of Legislators Committees on Environment and Energy will have a joint meeting discussing Consolidated Edison’s recent tree cutting along electric transmission line corridors. Both committees will, also, address legislation calling for a moratorium on Con Edison’s tree cutting program and a revision of the State’s Public Service Commission requirements
Who: Energy and Environment Committee Members
Representatives from Con Edison
When: Monday, February 22, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Where: Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee Room
148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor
White Plains, NY
Why: Recent tree cutting and clearing along electric transmission line corridors has raised many questions and concerns among homeowners and municipalities that border these lines. Con Edison operates and manages the transmission lines, which span from Yonkers to Yorktown.
# # #
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
RATE INCREASE LETTER TO THE PSC
My family has lived on Ridge Road in Hartsdale for over 50 years. As you know, Con Ed has initiated aggressive “Tree Trimming” activities in our area that has resulted in the destruction of hundreds of acres of woodlands, as well as, the use of toxic herbicides to prevent re-growth particularly on the Catskill Aqueduct areas that end up in our drinking water.
Initially we were told that this was about concerns over power outages, however, since then, we learned that Con Ed has chosen to discontinue a policy of pruning and maintenance and has adopted a new 20 year maintenance plan without any regard for the impact on the environment or the quality of life of the residents in the surrounding area. Not to mention, the economic impact on property owners, particularly in densely populated suburban areas where visual buffering can add a significant value to one’s home.
Now that the trees are gone, the noise from the highway is twice the volume. Windows closed and the morning news on all we can hear is the thousands of cars driving by. We are forced to look and hear cars from every room of the house or put up window treatments to shield the view. Our house was designed to sit on the property with nature, 77 windows provided views that I have treasured through my lifetime. Our family has maintained and preserved the 3.5 acres on Ridge Road rather than slice it up, because we felt it was important to hold off thoughtless development. What to do now...live our lives with windows closed and ear plugs in?
For many of us it seems as if it is too late, I have gone door to door over that past few weeks speaking with my neighbors and our goal now to to stop further destruction and begin a massive replanting initiative on both public and private lands. We also insist that a natural sound barrier be planted along the Spain Brook Parkway in residential areas to muffle the the sounds of constant traffic and air pollution.
The thought that Con Ed would be awarded a rate increase seems unfathomable. Looking at their earning reports over the last 5 years, it seems that Con Ed has enjoyed healthy profits. As well as, receiving 180 million in stimulus money earlier in 2009 and then another 45 Million in Smart Grid Funding.
My understanding from reading the U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force: Final Report on Implementation of Recommendations is that there were a number of causes for the 2003 blackout. While it was initially triggered in Ohio by tree limbs coming into contact with Conductors, it was also stated that these trees were in direct contact with power lines and had not been adequately managed. The conditions on that day in August could be called a perfect storm. High temperatures and windless conditions combined with increased amperage draw stressed the supply lines causing additional sagging, thus making direct contact with the poorly maintained trees. Also in the report it states that “Inadequate reactive supply was a factor in most of the events.” and “the assumed contribution of dynamic reactive output of system generators was greater than the generators actually produced, resulting in more significant voltage problems.” In other words the backup generators were not adequate to handle the amperage load or voltage needed. A lack of coordination of System Protection Programs(relays tripping), inadequate communication between Utilities, and lack of "training of operating personnel in dealing with severe
system disturbances" were also noted in the report as causes for the blackout.
Although tree contact was the initial cause of the black out in Ohio, the situation snow balled because the entire system was tenuous at best. The report stated that there were a greater number of instances of other system failures than there were instances of tree contact. I know what Con Ed has done about the trees, now I would like to know whether adequate back up generators have been installed? Has a computerized safety system been created and installed so that the utilities are aware when relays are popping? Is there an emergency protocol in place so that States can now communicate and cooperate in a coordinated effort in such an emergency? And finally, have the administrative employees and utility technicians been properly trained to deal with such a large scale blackout?
I still do not accept that Con Ed needs more money from us to update or repair a broken infrastructure. Shouldn’t that be Con Eds responsibility ? Why should it be my responsibility to maintain Con Eds equipment? Why aren’t they expected to spend their own profits to deliver a better product? In a time where the unemployment rate is above 10% and many people are close to losing their homes, it seems absurd that Con Ed would be looking for a rate increase. They stated on their web page that the a” typical residential customer paying $70 per month would see an increase of $12, or about a 17 percent rise”. But $70 per month is NOT the typical electric bill. I can tell you that my electric bill is $200+ a month since I moved back to Westchester in July and I live alone. I work a seventy hour week, and I don’t have air conditioners or leave my lights on. My Bill for November with heat added was $760.40. I have only 3 heat zones on and the thermostat is set from 63-65 degrees. Another 17 % seems out of step with our national economic outlook and is daunting at best. Moreover, as consumers we have no recourse, Con Ed the only game in town and it would seem that what they say goes. In the spirit of “CHANGE” I have testified twice about this rate increase and I ask that the Public Service Commission protect the public and deny Con Ed the rate increase. This rate increase is no different than an unruly bank industry that got us into our current recession.
I thank you for your attention and would welcome any opportunity to help further my efforts.
Respectfully,
Amy Kupferberg
Initially we were told that this was about concerns over power outages, however, since then, we learned that Con Ed has chosen to discontinue a policy of pruning and maintenance and has adopted a new 20 year maintenance plan without any regard for the impact on the environment or the quality of life of the residents in the surrounding area. Not to mention, the economic impact on property owners, particularly in densely populated suburban areas where visual buffering can add a significant value to one’s home.
Now that the trees are gone, the noise from the highway is twice the volume. Windows closed and the morning news on all we can hear is the thousands of cars driving by. We are forced to look and hear cars from every room of the house or put up window treatments to shield the view. Our house was designed to sit on the property with nature, 77 windows provided views that I have treasured through my lifetime. Our family has maintained and preserved the 3.5 acres on Ridge Road rather than slice it up, because we felt it was important to hold off thoughtless development. What to do now...live our lives with windows closed and ear plugs in?
For many of us it seems as if it is too late, I have gone door to door over that past few weeks speaking with my neighbors and our goal now to to stop further destruction and begin a massive replanting initiative on both public and private lands. We also insist that a natural sound barrier be planted along the Spain Brook Parkway in residential areas to muffle the the sounds of constant traffic and air pollution.
The thought that Con Ed would be awarded a rate increase seems unfathomable. Looking at their earning reports over the last 5 years, it seems that Con Ed has enjoyed healthy profits. As well as, receiving 180 million in stimulus money earlier in 2009 and then another 45 Million in Smart Grid Funding.
My understanding from reading the U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force: Final Report on Implementation of Recommendations is that there were a number of causes for the 2003 blackout. While it was initially triggered in Ohio by tree limbs coming into contact with Conductors, it was also stated that these trees were in direct contact with power lines and had not been adequately managed. The conditions on that day in August could be called a perfect storm. High temperatures and windless conditions combined with increased amperage draw stressed the supply lines causing additional sagging, thus making direct contact with the poorly maintained trees. Also in the report it states that “Inadequate reactive supply was a factor in most of the events.” and “the assumed contribution of dynamic reactive output of system generators was greater than the generators actually produced, resulting in more significant voltage problems.” In other words the backup generators were not adequate to handle the amperage load or voltage needed. A lack of coordination of System Protection Programs(relays tripping), inadequate communication between Utilities, and lack of "training of operating personnel in dealing with severe
system disturbances" were also noted in the report as causes for the blackout.
Although tree contact was the initial cause of the black out in Ohio, the situation snow balled because the entire system was tenuous at best. The report stated that there were a greater number of instances of other system failures than there were instances of tree contact. I know what Con Ed has done about the trees, now I would like to know whether adequate back up generators have been installed? Has a computerized safety system been created and installed so that the utilities are aware when relays are popping? Is there an emergency protocol in place so that States can now communicate and cooperate in a coordinated effort in such an emergency? And finally, have the administrative employees and utility technicians been properly trained to deal with such a large scale blackout?
I still do not accept that Con Ed needs more money from us to update or repair a broken infrastructure. Shouldn’t that be Con Eds responsibility ? Why should it be my responsibility to maintain Con Eds equipment? Why aren’t they expected to spend their own profits to deliver a better product? In a time where the unemployment rate is above 10% and many people are close to losing their homes, it seems absurd that Con Ed would be looking for a rate increase. They stated on their web page that the a” typical residential customer paying $70 per month would see an increase of $12, or about a 17 percent rise”. But $70 per month is NOT the typical electric bill. I can tell you that my electric bill is $200+ a month since I moved back to Westchester in July and I live alone. I work a seventy hour week, and I don’t have air conditioners or leave my lights on. My Bill for November with heat added was $760.40. I have only 3 heat zones on and the thermostat is set from 63-65 degrees. Another 17 % seems out of step with our national economic outlook and is daunting at best. Moreover, as consumers we have no recourse, Con Ed the only game in town and it would seem that what they say goes. In the spirit of “CHANGE” I have testified twice about this rate increase and I ask that the Public Service Commission protect the public and deny Con Ed the rate increase. This rate increase is no different than an unruly bank industry that got us into our current recession.
I thank you for your attention and would welcome any opportunity to help further my efforts.
Respectfully,
Amy Kupferberg
Saturday, January 23, 2010
ANOTHER NEIGHBOR GOING GRASSROOTS*LOOK FOR HIS HANDOUTS IN YOUR MAIL BOXES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS
CON ED’S CLEAR CUTTING
… Your Voices ARE being Heard!
So GET THIS INFORMATION TO HER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
(they will be glad to take your information over the phone, if that suits you)
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Room 415 LOB
Albany, NY 12247
(Tel.) (914) 771-4190 (Fax) (914) 771-6045
Email address: scousins@senate.state.ny.us
If you’ve already shared your specific information with those at the Senator’s office, PLEASE continue to communicate with others. Voice your concerns. Engage your Neighbors! As the ball is just beginning to roll! All your support is needed! These people all need to know that we are together on this. So …
Call the PSC and file a complaint,
include the complaint number
on each correspondence 800-342-3377 (8:30 am - 4:00 pm)
Garry A. Brown, Chairman
NYS Public Service Commission
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223
Phone: (518) 474-6530
Fax:(518) 486-6081
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky
5 West Main Street
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-345-0432
http://assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Mike Spano
35 East Grassy Sprain Rd. 4th Floor
Yonkers, NY 10710
914-779-8805
http://assembly.state.ny.us
Please cc:
Paul Feiner, Town Supervisor
Email: pfeiner@greenburghny.com
Office Tel: (914) 993-1540
Fax: (914) 993-1541
STAY INFORMED!
JOIN OUR FRIENDS AT Greengreenburgh@Blogspot.Com
THE HUDSON INDEPENDENTS COVERAGE *PLEASANTVILLE TOWNHALL MEETING 1/9/10 with SENATOR COUSINS &PSC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6Fwu2Hkb4
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
RE-POSTING THIS
Great idea to write Professor Kennedy....for all those who are inspired here is the address.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Professor of Environmental Law
Co-Director, Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Professor of Environmental Law
Co-Director, Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Monday, January 18, 2010
WRITE LETTERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CON ED
Kevin Burke
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee, Chairman of Con Edison of New York and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Eugene R. McGrath
Chairman, Chairman of Con Edison, Chief Executive Officer of Con Edison, President of Con Edison and Director of Con Edison, Orange & Rockland Utilities Inc.
One Blue Hill Plaza
Pearl River, New York 10965
George Campbell Jr., Ph.D.
President, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
431 Sperry Road
Stockton, California 95206
Gordon J. Davis Esq.
Director, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Finance Committee, Member of Planning Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Michael J. Del Giudice
Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Rockland Capital Energy Investments, LLC
2204 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Ellen Futter
President and Trustee, American Museum Of Natural History
Central Park West 79th Street
New York, New York 10024
Sally Hernandez-Piñero
Director, Chairman of Planning Committee, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, Member of Finance Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York , Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Vincent A. Calarco
Non Executive Chairman, Chairman of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee and Member of Audit Committee, Newmont Mining Corp.
6363 South Fiddler's Green Circle
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
L. Frederick Sutherland
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Director, Member of Management Committee and Group Executive of Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel, ARAMARK Corporation
ARAMARK Tower
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
John F. Killian
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Verizon Communications Inc.
140 West Street
New York, New York 10007
Michael W. Ranger
Senior Managing Director, Diamond Castle Holdings, LLC
280 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
John F. Hennessy III
Chairman Of The Board, Syska Hennessy Group, Inc.
11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036-2300
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee, Chairman of Con Edison of New York and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Eugene R. McGrath
Chairman, Chairman of Con Edison, Chief Executive Officer of Con Edison, President of Con Edison and Director of Con Edison, Orange & Rockland Utilities Inc.
One Blue Hill Plaza
Pearl River, New York 10965
George Campbell Jr., Ph.D.
President, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
431 Sperry Road
Stockton, California 95206
Gordon J. Davis Esq.
Director, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Finance Committee, Member of Planning Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Michael J. Del Giudice
Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Rockland Capital Energy Investments, LLC
2204 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Ellen Futter
President and Trustee, American Museum Of Natural History
Central Park West 79th Street
New York, New York 10024
Sally Hernandez-Piñero
Director, Chairman of Planning Committee, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, Member of Finance Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York , Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003
Vincent A. Calarco
Non Executive Chairman, Chairman of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee and Member of Audit Committee, Newmont Mining Corp.
6363 South Fiddler's Green Circle
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
L. Frederick Sutherland
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Director, Member of Management Committee and Group Executive of Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel, ARAMARK Corporation
ARAMARK Tower
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
John F. Killian
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Verizon Communications Inc.
140 West Street
New York, New York 10007
Michael W. Ranger
Senior Managing Director, Diamond Castle Holdings, LLC
280 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
John F. Hennessy III
Chairman Of The Board, Syska Hennessy Group, Inc.
11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036-2300
NEW AND FABULOUS INFORMATION FROM The Irvington Tree Preservation Project
Friday, January 15, 2010
Speak Out About Con Ed's Pay Hike Request!
The PSC will decide by March whether to approve one of two increases proposed by Con Ed. The PSC is accepting public comments until Feb. 2.
Consumers can go to the PSC Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and fill out the "PSC comment form" located under the "consumer assistance" file, or they may call the commission toll-free at 1-800-335-2120.
PSC spokeswoman Ann Dalton said public input is "always" part of the equation in determining rate hikes. She said not every increase sought is approved.
Speak Out About Con Ed's Pay Hike Request!
The PSC will decide by March whether to approve one of two increases proposed by Con Ed. The PSC is accepting public comments until Feb. 2.
Consumers can go to the PSC Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and fill out the "PSC comment form" located under the "consumer assistance" file, or they may call the commission toll-free at 1-800-335-2120.
PSC spokeswoman Ann Dalton said public input is "always" part of the equation in determining rate hikes. She said not every increase sought is approved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
